However, at 33, Evans knows he likely only has a few more years left as an elite competitor which is in part why sees his UFC 145 match-up with Jones is so important. Though taking “Bones” belt and satisfying the personal score with his former training partner are important to him, beating the dynamic divisional king is also an opportunity for Evans to remind the world why he’s a future Hall of Famer.

“I’m one of the very best light heavyweights out there and it’s time for me to cement my legacy,” wrote Evans in a blog entry he penned for Yahoo Sports. “I’ve beat top guys for years and years – before Jon was even in the UFC – and in a sport where everyone loses big fights here and there, I’ve had one bad night in seven years. This is the perfect opportunity and perfect chance for me to show that I’m as good as my record says I am.”

To dethrone Jones, Evans believes he’ll have to avoid the mental mistakes past opponents have made by often taking a tentative approach to exchanging offense with the seemingly unbeatable 24-year old.

“The illusion of or the mythical Jon Jones that the other guys fought, it doesn’t exist for me. I know how weak he is mentally – all the doubts he has about himself. I’m going to be the first one to stop this kid,” explained Evans of his intentions. “I saw an interview where he says he’s not giving it to me. He don’t have to. I’m taking it from him…”

The bout will mark the climax of the longstanding rivalry between the two 205ers stemming from Evans feeling as though Jones slighted him while teammates. Now it appears Evans is ready to return the favor, showing a gross lack of respect come showtime in Atlanta.

While Rashad has a point, he doesnt seem to realize the fact that he’s been gone a year and maybe jones has gotten over his mental hurdles….either way, if he had any to begin with they didnt seem to slow him down a bit as he’s only lost two rounds in his entire ufc career….Rashad better hope he still has those problems

Jones is weak mentally? Since when? If he is he has never shown it in the ring. I think Rashad is trying to create doubt where there has been none. Jones has been nothing but cool, calm and collected when fighting, during interveiws and even in taking short notice opportunities. Im sure he is not stupid and knows he can be beaten but he is a better striker, sub artist and I think a better MMA wrestler. His throws from the clinch are awesome. Jones via TKO rd 3.

Rashad likes to get fancy trying to juke and jive jumping in and out. It worked against other opponents who were similar in size and reach but, I think if he tries that with Jones he will juke out of his range and forget that he is giving up almost a full foot in reach.

All his big wins have been against guys who have a similar style and are similar in size. Liddell was the smaller man in the cage and you knew he was going to stand and bang until someone dropped and it was him.

Forrest is less of a straight brawler and works more at wearing down opponents then going for the big finish and Rashad was able to outlast him.

Rampage had only one gameplan and that was swing and swing harder and hope it works. Rashad took him down and avoided his wild punches.

All of those guys are abut the same size and there wasn’t a big reach or size advantage either way. Jones is about five inches taller maybe more and has very long reach and I really don’t see how Rashad is going to be able to get inside and avoid the big shots long enough to do any real damage.